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I am just beginning to extend my services to wedding photography. I have one under my belt and three more booked for the summer. A friend of mine had asked me to do her wedding (before I started wedding photography) to save money and I said sure. Her parents ended up hiring a photographer, but I asked if I could take pictures anyways to advertise on my website. The wedding was over 2.5 hours away (one way) and I stood on my feet for 4 hours taking pictures. I came home and uploaded 800 pictures, sorted them, and began editing. She has bugged me to see them and I finally told her that I would upload each batch as they were edited instead of waiting and uploading them all at once (so that she could sneak some peeks).

After I uploaded the first batch (about 30 pictures) she emailed me and said how excellent they were and her mother wants cards to give to the caterer to give out, etc.... And 'can you do me a favor'... She wants me to send her three that she really liked without 'PROOF' written on them.

How do I tell her (tactfully) that I have put a lot of time and effort into these pictures (not to mention there's about 10x more to edit/upload) and I'm not going to give originals to anyone. I've given my services for free, therefore, she'll have to buy prints???? I've guess I've taken it too personal and got offended. I know that I've read about this happening to other photographers in different situations, but I suppose it's different when it happens to you. All of that free advice you give to everyone else doesn't seem to apply (LOL)!

caroline

How about saying something along the lines of " Please accept those as a wedding gift from me, you can choose another couple if you like but any more than that will be at my usual rate of xxxxxx"
Its always tricky with friends, I sympathize.
Caroline

denisegoldberg

Caroline provided a good statement that you can use - but I'd still stick with your plan to not give her the originals.

That is, offer to print a couple (2 or 3) of photos for her, but don't supply any digital files without her paying for them.

--- Denise

Seneca

Give her ONE original (for letting you shoot her wedding). I just got back from a Photography School here in Texas, and one thing they told us is make sure and get permission to advertize someone else's pictures (in writting). Even tho, she agreed, you still need to get it in writing. This is a CYA type of situation.

I realize you spent your gas, your time, and more importantly...YOUR MONEY, but you must give something up. THe old adage is "You gotta spend money to make money".

Give her ONE original on Disc...and two others that have PROOF on it. Tell her you are an artist and you are now trying to make money. Tell her that the ones with PROOF are for sale . Be sure and have your price ready, cause she will be asking you..."Well...then...how much?". Apparently, your work is excellent enough for her to call you and ask you for them...so you need to charge.

Don't know if I cover what you needed to know. I've done some Senior Portraits the past couple of weeks...and I finally have the boobs (for guys it's B@ll$) to charge a sitting fee. Sorry if that was offensive - but it's a way of life.